By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) has stressed the need for good corporate governance to unlock the potential in agriculture, solid minerals and the blue economy to diversify the economic landscape.

The President of CIoD, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, said this during a news conference on Monday in Lagos to announce the institute’s upcoming 2023 Annual Directors’ Conference (ADC) at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja.

The CIoD president stated that the event scheduled for Nov. 16 to 17 with the theme: “Driving Nigeria’s Economic Transformation and Diversification: The Role of Corporate Governance,” would be a gathering of over 500 directors.

He said the reason for the theme was in the light of what the economy was currently going through and the plan as an institute to drive the transformation to support the transformation agenda of the presidency.

He noted that the institute; a thought leader in the advocacy for the entrenchment of good corporate governance in Nigeria, was commitment to entrenching global best practices in the governance of companies and institutions in Nigeria.

“We have and will continue to actively engage with all the necessary stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors of the economy, through our numerous advocacy platforms.

“A major one, amongst these platforms, the Annual Directors’ Conference (ADC) stands out as a pivotal avenue.

“This flagship event forms the core of the institute’s advocacy engagement series, uniting stakeholders from private, public, and not-for-profit sectors to deliberate on crucial issues concerning leadership, ethics, the economy, and business, among others.

“I am optimistic that the presentations and discussions during this year’s conference will serve as a platform for stakeholders across various sectors of the Nigerian economy to foster a deeper commitment to corporate governance best practices.

“We anticipate a positive ripple effect across all sectors, nurturing a better appreciation of the roles played by corporate governance in driving Nigeria’s economic diversification and transformation,” he said.

The Chairman, National Organising Committee, 2023 ADC, Mrs Fatumata Coker, noted that the role of corporate governance in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation cannot be overemphasised.

According to her, corporate governance plays a pivotal role in steering the economy towards sustainability and efficient practices, facilitating the adaptation of ethical principles and transformation.

Coker said the forthcoming conference would not only strengthen governance across all sectors of the Nigerian economy, but set a new trajectory of governance to drive economic growth in 2024.

She said the hybrid event would be declared open by President Bola Tinubu, while the Chairman of the Opening Session would be Dr Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, MTN Communications Plc.

“Dr Olusegun Aganga, Chairman, Leadway Pension would deliver the key note address, while other notable include Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, and Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.

“The two-day event will be structured into four plenary sessions, each focusing on sub-themes such as: “How Governance Reforms in the Nigeria Energy Sector Can Help Deliver a New Nigeria”, “Significance of Corporate Governance in Nigeria’s Digital Transformation”.

“Others are Optimising Demand-Driven Talents in Nigeria” and “Agriculture, Solid Minerals, and Blue Economy as Drivers of National Economic Transformation.”

“This year’s conference aims to attract industry leaders critical to the conference’s focus and fostering discussions and engagements.

“It is tailored to appeal to young directors, entrepreneurs, and millennials, offering them mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform for expanding their knowledge in corporate governance,” she said.

Coker added that the 2023 ADC “Business meet Government dinner” would have Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory as the guest of honour and Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives as the special guest of honour. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma